We believe patients should be in charge of their dental health and understand every aspect of their treatment. Before visiting us for a consultation, please review the following information. It provides a broad overview of some of the most important procedures we offer. It is an excellent starting point for your own research and should help address some common concerns related to dental care.
Before Anaesthesia
If you are receiving anesthesia, there are a few steps you need to take before you come in. Do not eat or drink anything for at least 8 hours and refrain from smoking for at least 12 hours. Bring someone with you to the appointment because the effects of the anesthesia will make it unsafe for you to drive yourself home. Do not wear any jewelry, contact lenses, or dentures. If you take medications, discuss those with Dr. Seini prior to surgery to ensure they will not cause complications.
After Wisdom Tooth Removal
If you are having wisdom teeth extracted, there are some post-operative guidelines you need to follow to reduce your chance of developing an infection or other complications. The dentist will place a gauze pad over the extraction site immediately after surgery. Do not remove it for at least 45 minutes. Do not drink from a straw or rinse your mouth out or you may disrupt the sutures and cause the extraction site to start bleeding. Limit your activities after the surgery and rest. You will be able to resume regular activities the following day. To reduce discomfort after the anesthetic wears off, take your pain medication as prescribed.
After Dental Implant Surgery
After dental implant surgery, you should stay at home and rest for 48-72 hours. Resting helps the healing process and minimizes the risk of bleeding. Drink plenty of fluids, but nothing too cold. You may need to apply an ice pack to your face for a few days following surgery. If you received upper implants, do not blow your nose for two weeks. It is common to experience some slight bleeding for about two days after surgery, but it is not a cause for alarm. Most patients feel slightly uncomfortable for the first two days following surgery, but by the third day this feeling normally fades. Your temperature may also increase by 1-2 degrees, but this is normal and nothing to be concerned about. Finally, while you can eat when you are hungry, do not chew directly on the bone graft.
After Impacted Tooth
A tooth becomes impacted when there is not enough room to accommodate it in the dental arch. Impacted teeth normally must be removed. Afterwards, you will probably experience some mild discomfort or swelling. This is part of the healing process. If the swelling is bothersome, some cold compresses should alleviate it. In addition, Dr. Seini will prescribe some pain medication, which should be taken as directed. Patients are also advised to favor the extraction area and modify their diet for a few days to allow for healing. Dr. Seini will advise you on the optimal foods to eat.
Multiple Tooth Extractions
Extracting one or two teeth is a simple procedure. However, extracting multiple teeth requires the jawbone be shaped and removed to prepare for a denture. After this type of procedure, you may experience swelling inside your mouth and possibly around your eye. The area around your eye may also become discolored, which may be alleviated by a warm compress. The muscles near the extraction site may also become sore and cause a sore throat. The corners of your mouth may also become dry and cracked from being stretched open during surgery. These symptoms are normal and normally pass on their own. If you have received a multiple extraction, you will always have a follow-up appointment with Dr. Seini 48 hours after surgery to discuss any concerns you might have and so she can evaluate your condition and help ensure your recovery is speedy as possible.
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